Bondwood caravan restorer

Maybe you could give us your location?

This might be a place to start Vintage Caravan

I'd suggest you look up "CNC Routers" in the Yellow Pages. I own one of these machines myself. As you have the panels and all windows etc, it's a realtively simple job to measure it up, key it into the computer and the machine does the rest.

It will also ensure perfect fitting and joining of each panel. You can get all drill holes done at the same time and if you're half handy you could put it all back together yourself.

Jim.

You could try ourtouringpast.com

They have some interesting info on there site! for rebuilding old caravans etc

Cheers.

Whats the pay rate your offering?? HAHA Just kidding, too far fom me to do it - always been interested in that stuff tho.

I am wondering how much you think it will cost you to get to completion stage. Recently I have seen a couple restored bondwood vans for sale on ebay. One in particular looked excellent. If the cost of an already completed one is less than what you think yours will cost, it maybe a better option to buy someone elses completed hardwork. If you were here in Sydney I could probably steer you to a couple of guys with a van repair business. I have seen some of their work. They say that people from over Aus get them to rebuild vans and it pays them very welll (ie: not cheap to you to get someone to do it for you if you want a quality job), hence it may end up better value to buy a completed one. If you want their details let me know....

Where in S.E.Qld are you? Anywhere near Toowoomba?

Hi Ozcaravan,
When I saw your post yesterday I wondered if a few Ad's placed in local newspapers might turn up an interested retired chippy or cabinetmaker. Was going to reply but never got round to it.

Now I've had another thought that may help.

Have you considered the local TAFE centre, they are often looking for projects for the timberwork apprentices to work on as part of their training. They are supervised by craftsmen lecturers with years of hands-on experience.
It just may help your project van.

Disco.

Hi

My brother is in Toowoomba and has bought and fixed up some previous vans, camper style and ? as a hobby and then resold them. He is pretty good at all that stuff and gets a kick out of trying this sort of stuff when he has the time.

If you are interested in talking to him let me know

When i emailed him his reply was:

"I would do it for $49.50 inc gst an hour plus all materials if I new I could do it in the time frame they wanted and they wanted a non-proffesional job." (non professional meaning he isnt a caravan repairer - its one of his "hobbies" He can weld etc too if thats a bonus.

Anyway if you are interested let me know and you to can talk etc. Maybe even if it gets you started or gets you to whatever point in time and restoration that maybe helpful. You should be able to get it to him at about 2 hours away ok. Knowing his place I imagine he has the room to store, secure and work on it ok.

I think he could do it ok for you seeing what else he has done, even apart from vans. I think he would even be good for a spray paint job on it when its done depending on his time and your needs. let me know

cheers mick

Hello

Just thought I'd post an update.

The restoration has begun on my vintage van and the link is

http://classicvan.angelfire.com/resto/

Regards
oz_traveller